Event shows importance of forensic evidence

For people interested in crime scenes, forensic evidence, and the importance of that evidence at trial, an event at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis offers an opportunity to solve a "mock homicide" investigation.

The Central Indiana Chapter of the Indiana University Alumni Association and the alumni associations from the schools of Continuing Studies, Medicine, Liberal Arts, Public and Environmental Affairs, Science, and the School of Law – Indianapolis are sponsoring "Homicide Investigation: From Crime Scene to Court" March 7 at University Place Conference Center and Hotel at IUPUI, 850 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis.

Attendees will learn from experts how forensic evidence can make or break a case as they investigate vital pieces of evidence found at the mock crime scene – a body found in a parking lot outside of a bar.

The event begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends after a luncheon address by Mark A. Godsey, law professor and faculty director of the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Institute for Justice/Ohio Innocence Project University of Cincinnati College of Law; and Melinda Elkins-Dawson, a social advocate who contacted the Ohio Innocence Project to receive help with proving her husband didn't murder Elkins-Dawson's mother and rape her niece. Attendees will find out how her efforts turned out.

Seating is limited and registrations are due to the IUPUI Office of Alumni Relations by Feb. 27. Cost is $30 per person or $25 for members of the alumni association or current students. Attorneys attending can earn 4.5 hours of CLE, pending approval. For more information or to register, visit the alumni association's Web site.